The boy who died in County Clare over the weekend has been named locally as Shay Lynch. 

The seven-year-old got into difficulty in a swimming pool at the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe on Saturday afternoon. 

He was rescued from the water unconscious and taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was later pronounced dead.

Shay was from nearby Clonlara and his grandfather is a neighbour of local Councillor Michael Begley.

“They were very much part of the parcel of the community,” Cllr Begley told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“Particularly the sporting community. 

“Shay’s uncle would have won the County Senior Championship with us in 2008 and his sister would have been and still is extremely involved in the camogie. 

“His Mam is the national school’s secretary.” 

'You’re stuck for words'

Shay was at the hotel for a party with some friends and Cllr Begley said the community has been devastated by his death. 

“It’s shocking, it’s chilling that something like that could happen on a day of celebration for a large number of families,” he said. 

“Probably in the region of 40 families would have been involved in the confirmation ceremony. 

“This young lad was a friend of one of those getting the confirmation and those days always have some follow on and celebrations of their own.” 

Cllr Begley said locals would do everything they can to support the Lynches at such a difficult time.

“The whole community here will fall in and help in every way we can,” he said.  

“You’re stuck for words in those situations - what can you do?” 

Shay Lynch’s body remains at UHL where it will undergo a post-mortem examination.

Main image: Shay Lynch. Image: The Lynches